Unable to remedy interlaced picture using TMPGEnc -> DVD

[Golem]

I can not seem to produce a DVD compliant MPEG2 file that will play without producing noticable interlacing when viewing these files via WinDVD, both on my computer and output to a tv (burner coming soon). If viewing them in this manner makes a difference no need to read further, just give me the bad news. If not...

Interlacing is especially prominent on bright edges that are just off the horizontal but is still noticable throughout. A slight jerkyness/stutter seems to be visible but very minor.

I am capturing all footage from an NTSC digital cable source using WinTV at a resolution of 720x480, 29.97fps. TMPGEnc was initally setup for DVD encoding using the following guide http://pwp.netcabo.pt/0165394101/TMPGEnc_Template.html listed on VCDhelp. In addition to this I have followed the other DVD guides for reference. I've used all noted options given for "Video Source Settings" by each guide - field order, source aspect ratio, video arrange method.

Not sure what I'm missing but it's getting frustrating It should play fine on the TV and computer using WinDVD, right?

Appreciate any and all input.

Thanks,
Golem

[ghoster]

could try changing the fps from 29.97 to 23.97, otherwise its not a dvd compliant mpeg.

[mdm]

If you're creating an interlaced video, it will almost ALWAYS look bad on our PC! When played on a standalone DVD player and TV it should look fine. The only time it won't look good on your TV is if you have the field order incorrect (during encoding).

Until you get a DVD burner, you'll have to assume they are correct.

[Dordolio]

Golem,

It's happening to me too, both with ripped NTSC DVDs and captured MPGs; quality of the MPG seen on PC is awful. But when it is burned on VCD or DVD and seen on TV interlacing artifacts are gone, and quality is good.

I still have to understand why it does not happen with PAL movies. Perhaps should try what Ghoster suggested about changing to 23fps.

Dord

[Golem]

Thanks guys...

Ghoster & Dordolio - Yeah, my source file is 29.97 but the final output file from TMPGEnc is 23.97. You are not suggesting capture at 23.97, correct?

Dordolio - Just seems funny that I can play DVD's or VOB's using WinDVD and they all look fine on both my computer and TV but these capture encodings will not. That's why I thought it has something to do with my settings.

mdm - Just to clarify... are you saying that it will still look bad even when played via WinDVD->G400(video card)->TV? Was not sure if you ment it would only play well using Standalone DVD Player->TV. And yes, I've changed the field order as one of the many optional settings tried. Ooooh...I hate assuming!! ))

*Question* I just may get a standalone recorder instead if it's possible to sucessfully export from the computer to it for recording purposes. Anyone know if this is possible?

Thanks again!
Golem

[tonyp12]

Ghoster & Dordolio - Yeah, my source file is 29.97 but the final output file from TMPGEnc is 23.97. You are not suggesting capture at 23.97

If your source is a TV signal (Interlaced 29.97) ofcource you need
to capture at 29.97 and encode in tmpgen as 29.97 interlaced.

But if your source is a NTSC FILM DVD, the source is stored
as 23.97 progressive on the disc.

The only time to convert a 29.97 to 23.97 are movies or cartoons that
have been telecined (e.g at one time they where 24 frames progressive)

P.S this was my 400 post, not bad for a few months.

[mdm]

Golem:

It's possible the output from your video card to a TV *should* look ok, but it's not a perfect test of your final product. You really need to burn to a DVD to do a final test. FYI - when WinDVD or PowerDVD play DVDs on your monitor, they have to deinterlace the video for it to look ok. This sometimes works well and sometimes it doesn't, and it can vary between DVDs (those apps have deinterlacing options to cope with this).

I've been doing many miniDV-DVD projects and the interlacing always appears on my PC but not on the TV (with standalone player).

[Golem]

Much appreciate the feedback!

Guess I just have to bite the bullet and make a decision as to which burner is best for me. Seems the only way to truly test the encodings.

Cheers!
Golem